Suffolk News-Herald

A former Suffolk building inspector was sentenced in Suffolk Circuit Court Thursday on charges of embezzlement by a public official. He offered no explanation as to why he pocketed funds.

Facing 10 years in the Virginia State Penitentiary, the 34-year-old Jeffrey Vanhosen was sentenced to five years probation based upon conditions that he pay $1,000 restitution to the City of Suffolk and that he provides 100 hours of community service. He was also required to pay the cost of court, and he paid all expenses, including the $1,000, after leaving the courtroom.

Prosecutor for the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, Marilyn Sallie, originally had 21 counts of embezzlement against Vanhosen, all involving his pocketing $40 to $50 that he accepted in rental inspection fees. He was not authorized to accept any money. He pleaded guilty to a single count of embezzlement.

&uot;The Commonwealth merged all 21 counts into a single count pursuant to a plea agreement,&uot; Sallie explained.

Vanhosen was arrested and charged with three cases of embezzlement against the city in November 2003, and was indicted on the 18 additional charges by a grand jury on March 22. He had worked nine years for the city.